Money + Ethical and green living | The Guardianhttps://www.theguardian.com/money/money+environment/ethical-living
model.DotcomContentType$TagIndex$@49da2b01en-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2018Mon, 19 Mar 2018 14:52:00 GMT2018-03-19T14:52:00Zen-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2018The Guardianhttps://assets.guim.co.uk/images/guardian-logo-rss.c45beb1bafa34b347ac333af2e6fe23f.pnghttps://www.theguardian.com
Organic food and drink sales rise to record levels in the UKhttps://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/feb/07/organic-food-and-drink-sales-rise-to-record-levels-in-the-uk
<p>In a sixth year of consecutive growth, organic sales rose by 6% to a record £2.2bn, driven largely by independent outlets and home deliveries</p><p>Sales of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/organics">organic food and drink</a> in the UK rose by 6% last year to a record £2.2bn, fuelled by strong growth through independent outlets and home delivery which outpaced sales in rival supermarkets. </p><p>Almost 30% of all organic sales now take place online or on the high street, according to a new report from <a href="https://www.soilassociation.org/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIkPDw5KuR2QIVCr7tCh1zPAEEEAAYASAAEgIMavD_BwE">Soil Association</a>, the trade body which licenses organic products and promotes organic farming. </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/feb/07/organic-food-and-drink-sales-rise-to-record-levels-in-the-uk">Continue reading...</a>OrganicsFoodFood & drinkFood & drink industryBusinessEnvironmentEthical and green livingLife and styleUK newsConsumer affairsMoneyWed, 07 Feb 2018 06:30:01 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/feb/07/organic-food-and-drink-sales-rise-to-record-levels-in-the-ukPhotograph: Vibrant Pictures/Alamy Stock PhotoPhotograph: Vibrant Pictures/Alamy Stock PhotoRebecca Smithers Consumer affairs correspondent2018-02-07T06:30:01ZIndustrial landscape should be protected | Lettershttps://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/jan/31/industrial-landscape-should-be-protected
<strong>Donal Boyle</strong> says Historic England must preserve some of the country’s cooling towers; while <strong>David Smythe </strong>says there is no justification for fracking in the UK<p>We are in danger of losing a major feature of the late 20th-century industrial landscape (<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2018/jan/29/gas-fired-plants-to-reap-huge-subsidies-despite-uncertain-future" title="">Gas under pressure: Solar plants squeeze power station firms</a>, 30 January). I refer to the piecemeal removal of the 2000MW coal-fired power stations that have, since the 1960s dominated the flat landscapes of the Midlands and north of England. You feature the plant at West Burton. Located inland adjacent to the mines, the design of these necessitated the provision of massive cooling towers, their sculptural shapes visible on the horizon for many miles, complemented by the bulk of the turbine halls and boiler houses. Shouldn’t Historic England list at least one or two of them? Didcot and Ferrybridge are already lost. I suggest protecting Cottam in Nottinghamshire and Fiddler’s Ferry near Runcorn.&nbsp;<br><strong>Donal Boyle</strong><br><em>Aghadowey, Northern Ireland</em></p><p>• Ken Cronin (<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/jan/16/natural-gas-has-role-in-uk-energy-mix" title="">Letters</a>, 17 January), of the UK onshore fossil fuel trade body, responds to your <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/jan/09/the-guardian-view-on-the-future-of-fracking-keep-it-in-the-ground" title="">editorial on fracking</a> (10 January) by claiming that imported natural gas has “higher [environmental] emissions” than the gas “beneath our feet”. This claim is akin to the 40-a-day smoker with lung cancer telling their doctor that only the last two or three cigarettes of the day do the damage, and promising to stick to 37 a day. There is a global gas glut. The UK is well supplied by imports from stable countries, the price of which is predicted to remain low and stable for years to come. So no additional bridging supply is needed while the 23m UK households that depend on gas are weaned off their fossil fuel addiction over the next one or two decades.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/jan/31/industrial-landscape-should-be-protected">Continue reading...</a>EnvironmentEnergyFossil fuelsFrackingUK newsEnergy billsConsumer affairsHousehold billsMoneyEnergy efficiencyEthical and green livingEnergy industryBusinessRural affairsWed, 31 Jan 2018 18:05:32 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/jan/31/industrial-landscape-should-be-protectedPhotograph: CW Images / Alamy/AlamyPhotograph: CW Images / Alamy/AlamyLetters2018-01-31T18:05:32ZWhy do supermarkets sell organic products wrapped in non-cyclable plastic?https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/jan/20/supermarkets-organic-food-packaging
We find organic mushrooms in non-recyclable trays next to plain veg in compostable wrapping<p>My environmentally conscious wife Clare is the keenest recycler possible. She even collects and recycles the silver milk bottle tops that I tend to chuck out. But when it comes to organic food she’s furious. Why? Because she finds it is the worst culprit for wrapping almost everything in plastic and polywrap that cannot be recycled. How, she asks, did we reach the situation where the most environmentally produced food is also the worst for packaging and recycling?</p><p>Like many others, the Brignall household despairs at the revelations over the past year that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2017/feb/22/plastics-recycling-trash-chemicals-styrofoam-packaging">86% of collected plastic is not actually recycled</a>, and the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/oct/15/david-attenborough-urges-immediate-action-on-plastics-blue-planet">Blue Planet claim that 8m tonnes</a> of the stuff ends up in oceans.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/jan/20/supermarkets-organic-food-packaging">Continue reading...</a>RecyclingConsumer affairsMoneySupermarketsBusinessFoodEnvironmentFood & drink industryEthical and green livingWasteUK newsSat, 20 Jan 2018 06:59:45 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/jan/20/supermarkets-organic-food-packagingPhotograph: Graeme Robertson for the GuardianPhotograph: Graeme Robertson for the GuardianMiles Brignall2018-01-20T06:59:45Z1m more smart meters which hinder switching could be rolled outhttps://www.theguardian.com/business/2018/jan/19/smart-meters-first-generation-hinder-switching-rolled-out
<p>Government extends deadline for installation of older model despite interoperability issues</p><p>More than 1m extra first generation smart meters will be fitted in homes because the government has extended a deadline for their installation, despite the devices being criticised because they can “go dumb” when customers switch energy suppliers.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2017/dec/11/energy-firms-say-price-cap-on-bills-could-hit-uk-roll-out-of-smart-meters">Energy firms say price cap on bills could hit UK roll-out of smart meters</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2017/jun/24/smart-meters-spying-collecting-private-data-french-british">Is your smart meter spying on you?</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2018/jan/19/smart-meters-first-generation-hinder-switching-rolled-out">Continue reading...</a>Energy industrySmart metersEnergyEnergy efficiencyEnvironmentEthical and green livingPoliticsConsumer affairsHousehold billsMoneyUK newsBusinessEnergyEnergy billsTechnologyFri, 19 Jan 2018 15:29:45 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/business/2018/jan/19/smart-meters-first-generation-hinder-switching-rolled-outPhotograph: hugh nutt / Alamy/AlamyPhotograph: hugh nutt / Alamy/AlamyAdam Vaughan2018-01-19T15:29:45ZUK retailers see rise in sales of reusable coffee cupshttps://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/jan/11/uk-retailers-see-rise-in-sales-of-reusable-coffee-cups
<p>Home and kitchenware shops report growth in sales of portable mugs as government hints at a tax on disposable cups</p><p>Sales of reusable coffee cups are soaring in the UK, retailers are reporting, as the government hints at a tax on disposable cups.</p><p>Argos, which is part of the Sainsbury’s Group, said it had sold 537% more portable cups in December 2017 than the same month the previous year. Meanwhile, kitchenware chain Lakeland reported an increase in sales of more than 100% month-on-month, homeware company Robert Dyas reported a 50% lift year-on-year. </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/jan/11/uk-retailers-see-rise-in-sales-of-reusable-coffee-cups">Continue reading...</a>RecyclingWasteUK newsConsumer affairsRetail industryBusinessEnvironmentEthical and green livingMoneyThu, 11 Jan 2018 16:22:52 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/jan/11/uk-retailers-see-rise-in-sales-of-reusable-coffee-cupsPhotograph: Ter Pengilley for the GuardianPhotograph: Ter Pengilley for the GuardianRebecca Smithers Consumer affairs correspondent2018-01-11T16:22:52ZUK government spells out plan to shut down coal plantshttps://www.theguardian.com/business/2018/jan/05/uk-coal-fired-power-plants-close-2025
<p>Government unveils phase-out plan, with one of eight remaining power stations to stop generating electricity this year</p><p>One of the UK’s eight remaining coal power stations is expected to cease generating electricity this year, the government has said as it laid out new rules that will force all the plants to close by 2025.</p><p>The coal phase-out is one of the Conservative party’s flagship green policies, and the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/coal-generation-in-great-britain-the-pathway-to-a-low-carbon-future">long-awaited implementation plan</a> comes ahead of <a href="https://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/comment/may-must-hope-things-can-only-get-better-cgsfd969d">a speech by Theresa May on the environment next week</a>.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2018/jan/05/uk-coal-fired-power-plants-close-2025">Continue reading...</a>Energy industryCoalEnergyEnvironmentFossil fuelsEnergy efficiencyEthical and green livingBusinessPoliticsEnergy billsConsumer affairsHousehold billsMoneyUK newsFri, 05 Jan 2018 14:34:24 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/business/2018/jan/05/uk-coal-fired-power-plants-close-2025Photograph: John Giles/PAPhotograph: John Giles/PAAdam Vaughan2018-01-05T14:34:24ZWhy are our wardrobes full of unworn clothes? Because most purchases are not rationalhttps://www.theguardian.com/fashion/shortcuts/2018/jan/02/wardrobes-full-unworn-clothes-worth-10-billion-pounds
<p>We often buy dresses for the people we’d like to be, and hold on to things because they remind us of good times. But a new survey has revealed that UK shoppers own £10bn worth of clothes they do not wear<br></p><p>I am sorry to force on you thoughts of so many battles to come so early in the year, but here – in one neat package – they come: a new survey by Weight Watchers has estimated that shoppers in the UK own £10bn worth of clothes they do not wear.</p><p>As ever with these massed and massive figures, it does not look quite so bad when you break it down a bit. The UK shopping population comprises about 50 million of us, which works out at an average of £200 worth of stuff per person failing to fulfil its sartorial destiny.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/shortcuts/2018/jan/02/wardrobes-full-unworn-clothes-worth-10-billion-pounds">Continue reading...</a>FashionLife and styleConsumer affairsMoneyRecyclingEthical and green livingTue, 02 Jan 2018 13:52:23 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/fashion/shortcuts/2018/jan/02/wardrobes-full-unworn-clothes-worth-10-billion-poundsPhotograph: Bob Stevens/Getty Images/UppercutPhotograph: Bob Stevens/Getty Images/UppercutLucy Mangan2018-01-02T13:52:23ZTenants lose out after landlord pressure halves UK home insulation caphttps://www.theguardian.com/money/2017/dec/19/tenants-lose-out-landlord-pressure-halves-uk-home-insulation-cap
<p>Plan to make landlords improve draughtiest homes and boost energy efficiency for hundreds of thousands of tenants lies in tatters, say critics</p><p>Tenants face missing out on energy bill savings after the government caved in to landlords’ demands by lowering a cap on the costs they face to upgrade Britain’s draughtiest homes.</p><p>Landlords must improve the energy efficiency of F- and G-rated homes from next April under new regulations designed to protect vulnerable tenants and cut carbon emissions.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/oct/12/uk-puts-energy-efficiency-at-heart-of-climate-change-strategy">Draughty homes targeted in UK climate change masterplan</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2017/dec/19/tenants-lose-out-landlord-pressure-halves-uk-home-insulation-cap">Continue reading...</a>Renting propertyEnergy efficiencyFuel povertyEnergy billsEnergyEnergy industryBusinessConsumer affairsEnvironmentEthical and green livingHousehold billsMoneySocietyGreenhouse gas emissionsBuying to letPropertyUK newsTue, 19 Dec 2017 17:54:07 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2017/dec/19/tenants-lose-out-landlord-pressure-halves-uk-home-insulation-capPhotograph: AlamyPhotograph: AlamyAdam Vaughan2017-12-19T17:54:07ZTreasury backs electric cars but makes limited moves on dieselhttps://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/nov/22/treasury-backs-electric-cars-but-makes-limited-moves-on-diesel
<p>Funds set aside for national charging network and tech research, but lack of scrappage scheme disappoints</p><p>Electric cars have received a funding boost with the government earmarking £340m for a national charging network and subsidies for vehicle purchases.</p><p>However, further <a draggable="true" href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/budget-2017-november">budget</a> backing for greener vehicles was limited to a small rise in vehicle excise duty for new diesel cars that fail to meet rigorous emissions standards – disappointing campaigners who had hoped for a rise in fuel duty or a diesel scrappage scheme.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/nov/22/key-points-from-budget-2017-at-a-glance">Key points from budget 2017 – at a glance</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/nov/22/treasury-backs-electric-cars-but-makes-limited-moves-on-diesel">Continue reading...</a>Electric, hybrid and low-emission carsEconomic policyBudget 2017 (November)Climate changeSelf-driving carsEnvironmentGreenhouse gas emissionsTechnologyMoneyTravel and transportMotoringEthical and green livingUK newsCar scrappageMotoringPoliticsAutomotive industryBusinessFuel dutyTax and spendingTaxPetrol pricesWed, 22 Nov 2017 17:30:45 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/nov/22/treasury-backs-electric-cars-but-makes-limited-moves-on-dieselPhotograph: Alamy Stock PhotoPhotograph: Alamy Stock PhotoGwyn Topham Transport correspondent2017-11-22T17:30:45ZYour bag for life doesn't have to carry a food poisoning risk. Here's what to dohttps://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/oct/06/your-bag-for-life-doesnt-have-to-carry-a-food-poisoning-risk-heres-what-to-do
<p>Environmental health officers are urging consumers not to switch back to plastic following recent warnings that raw foods can spread harmful bacteria. So how can you keep your reusable bags hygienic?</p><p> </p><p>The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) is urging consumers to continue to shop for food with reusable <a draggable="true" href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/plastic-bags">“bags for life”</a>, fearing that worries about the food poisoning risks could trigger a backlash and even a resurgence in the use of thin plastic bags. </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/oct/06/your-bag-for-life-doesnt-have-to-carry-a-food-poisoning-risk-heres-what-to-do">Continue reading...</a>Plastic bagsEthical and green livingConsumer affairsE coliFood safetyEnvironmentMoneyUK newsFri, 06 Oct 2017 15:42:29 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/oct/06/your-bag-for-life-doesnt-have-to-carry-a-food-poisoning-risk-heres-what-to-doPhotograph: John Birdsall/REX/ShutterstockPhotograph: John Birdsall/REX/ShutterstockRebecca Smithers Consumer affairs correspondent2017-10-06T15:42:29ZThe Tories must seize this chance to make UK homes energy efficienthttps://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/oct/06/the-tories-must-seize-this-chance-to-make-uk-homes-energy-efficient
<p>Politicians may debate the merits of a cap on energy bills but making our leaky houses energy efficient is the solution that all political parties should unite behind</p><p>As the letters began to fall off the slogan behind Theresa May during her leader’s speech at the Conservative party conference, it was hard not to see symbolism. Not just of a premiership under threat, but also of a signature policy <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2017/oct/04/theresa-may-pledge-rip-off-energy-prices-uk-cap">falling apart</a> within hours of being announced.<br></p><p>The <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2017/sep/29/theresa-may-under-pressure-to-introduce-price-cap-on-energy-bills">cap on energy bills</a> was a pledge in the Conservative manifesto and the prime minister promised to introduce the legislation to make it happen. The Conservatives had at first dismissed an energy price cap as a reckless intervention in the market that would kill competition. But by the 2017 election the policy had been adopted by Theresa May and there was cross-party support.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/sep/27/uk-could-rescue-energy-efficient-homes-policy-with-few-key-steps">UK could rescue energy efficient homes policy with few key steps</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/oct/06/the-tories-must-seize-this-chance-to-make-uk-homes-energy-efficient">Continue reading...</a>Energy efficiencyEnergyEthical and green livingEnvironmentHousehold billsMoneyFuel povertyEnergy billsConsumer affairsTheresa MayPoliticsFri, 06 Oct 2017 14:56:01 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/oct/06/the-tories-must-seize-this-chance-to-make-uk-homes-energy-efficientPhotograph: AlamyPhotograph: AlamyEd Matthew2017-10-06T14:56:01ZGreen & Black's new UK chocolate bar will be neither organic nor Fairtradehttps://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/aug/03/green-blacks-new-uk-chocolate-bar-not-organic-fairtrade
<p>Velvet Edition dark chocolate will be made under alternative Cocoa Life ethical scheme, set up by brand’s parent, Mondelēz</p><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2011/mar/08/green-blacks-fairtrade-pledge">Green &amp; Black’s</a> is launching its first UK chocolate bar that is neither organic nor <a href="http://www.fairtrade.org.uk/Buying-Fairtrade/Chocolate">Fairtrade-certified</a>.</p><p>The move by the organic chocolate maker – owned by US food giant Mondelēz International, parent of Cadbury – is likely to further <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2017/jun/24/fairtrade-crashing-down-sainsburys-tesco-tea-growers-nairobi">undermine the Fairtrade </a>movement amid concerns about a proliferation of rival alternatives. </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/aug/03/green-blacks-new-uk-chocolate-bar-not-organic-fairtrade">Continue reading...</a>MondelēzChocolateEthical businessBusinessRetail industryFair tradeGlobal developmentEthical and green livingConsumer affairsLife and styleFood & drinkMoneyUK newsThu, 03 Aug 2017 05:01:07 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/aug/03/green-blacks-new-uk-chocolate-bar-not-organic-fairtradePhotograph: PR Company HandoutPhotograph: PR Company HandoutRebecca Smithers Consumer affairs correspondent2017-08-03T05:01:07ZDon’t bin it … how we served the UK’s first ‘food waste wedding’ feasthttps://www.theguardian.com/money/2017/jul/22/food-waste-wedding-feast
Chicken and fruit rejected by retailers were used in style when Charlotte and Nick Baker got married<p>When Charlotte and Nick Baker were planning their wedding in Cumbria last month, they wanted a highly personal celebration that reflected their deeply held principles about minimising waste.</p><p>Unusually, that included asking a food waste charity to feed their 135 guests a three-course meal created entirely from food that would otherwise have been thrown away. “I didn’t even know until the day before what we were going to eat,” says Charlotte, 30, a urology registrar who lives with her GP husband in Inverness. “Then I was told that a load of frozen chicken had turned up, along with trayfuls of soft fruit rejected by supermarkets.” The chicken breasts still had three to four days left on their best before date, but the wholesaler had been unable to shift them. At the Bakers’ feast it was cooked with white wine and mushrooms as a main course – alongside vegetarian chilli and rice – while the berries were transformed into fruit salad and topped with clotted cream. Whole trays of berries were heading for the bin because a couple of punnets had the odd squashed or slightly mouldy fruit. The starter was platters of cheeses and cold meats.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2017/jul/22/food-waste-wedding-feast">Continue reading...</a>Planning your weddingMoneyRecyclingEthical and green livingWasteEnvironmentWeddingsLife and styleUK newsSat, 22 Jul 2017 06:00:31 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2017/jul/22/food-waste-wedding-feastPhotograph: Toast of Leeds/Toast of Leeds PhotographyPhotograph: Toast of Leeds/Toast of Leeds PhotographyRebecca Smithers2017-07-22T06:00:31ZIs it worth switching to LED lights and fittings?https://www.theguardian.com/money/blog/2017/jul/15/is-it-worth-switching-to-led-lights-fittings
<p>I’ve heard the claims but I’m not yet sold. Please convince me</p><p><strong>Every week a Guardian Money reader submits a question, and it’s up to you to help him or her out – a selection of the best answers will appear in next Saturday’s paper.</strong></p><p><strong>This week’s question:</strong></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/blog/2017/jul/15/is-it-worth-switching-to-led-lights-fittings">Continue reading...</a>Saving moneyMoneyConsumer affairsEnergy billsHousehold billsHome improvementsPropertyEnergy efficiencyEthical and green livingEnergyEnvironmentSat, 15 Jul 2017 05:59:45 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/money/blog/2017/jul/15/is-it-worth-switching-to-led-lights-fittingsIllustration: BILL BROWN at Art DepartmentIllustration: BILL BROWN at Art DepartmentGuardian Staff2017-07-15T05:59:45ZPay-per-mile road tax plan wins £250,000 Wolfson economics prizehttps://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/jul/13/pay-per-mile-road-tax-plan-scoops-wolfson-economics-prize
<p>Prizewinner Gergely Raccuja, 27, aims to scrap vehicle tax and fuel duty to help fund all road repairs with more eco-friendly scheme collected by insurers</p><p>A graduate transport planner has won a £250,000 prize for a plan to improve Britain’s ailing roads with a proposal to scrap fuel and vehicle taxes and replace them with a pay-per-mile charging scheme.</p><p><a href="https://policyexchange.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Gergely-Raccuja-Miles-Better-Revised-Submission.pdf">The scheme would reward users of lighter, cleaner vehicles and ensure a steady stream of revenue to the exchequer</a> (pdf), with the £27bn received annually from fuel duty now jeopardised by electric vehicles.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/jul/13/pay-per-mile-road-tax-plan-scoops-wolfson-economics-prize">Continue reading...</a>Wolfson Economics PrizeTransportTransport policyTaxTax and spendingMotoringMotoringMoneyPoliticsTechnologyUK newsBusinessEconomicsInsurance industryElectric, hybrid and low-emission carsFuel dutyEnvironmentEthical and green livingPetrol pricesSelf-driving carsTravel and transportThu, 13 Jul 2017 21:00:17 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/jul/13/pay-per-mile-road-tax-plan-scoops-wolfson-economics-prizePhotograph: Keith Leighton / Alamy/AlamyPhotograph: Keith Leighton / Alamy/AlamyGwyn Topham Transport correspondent2017-07-13T21:00:17ZI had that Queen Victoria in the back of my electric cab… | Brief lettershttps://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/jul/12/i-had-that-queen-victoria-in-the-back-of-my-electric-cab
Electric taxis | Pay caps | Unpaved gardens | Medieval monks | True north? | Coining it in<p>How welcome to see an electric taxi, and we should hail it by all means (<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/jul/11/black-cab-turns-green-new-electric-london-taxi-levc-tx" title="">Financial</a>, 12 July). But is it the first? Far from it, apparently. Electric taxis first appeared in London at the end of the 19th century, but the “hummingbirds”, as they were known, were very quickly hounded off the road by their horse-drawn rivals. The London Electric Cab Company, which built them, went bust. See <a href="https://bookshop.theguardian.com/rethink-482642.html" title="">Rethink</a> by Steven Poole, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2016/jul/22/rethink-steven-poole-review-surprising-history-new-ideas" title="">reviewed by you July 2016</a>, bought by me July 2017.<br><strong>David Beake</strong><br><em>Budock Water, Cornwall</em></p><p>• Yet again a government department pits public sector workers against taxpayers, as though these are two distinct groups (<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2017/jul/10/teachers-pay-to-remain-capped-at-1-dfe-announces" title="">May under fire as teacher pay held at 1%</a>, 11 July). I fear that as public sector pay becomes more and more eroded, many will indeed find themselves paid below the threshold to start paying tax – could this be the ultimate aim of this damaging cap?<br><strong>Deirdre Burrell</strong><br><em>Mortimer, Berkshire</em></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/jul/12/i-had-that-queen-victoria-in-the-back-of-my-electric-cab">Continue reading...</a>Electric, hybrid and low-emission carsTravel and transportMotoringTechnologyEthical and green livingGreenhouse gas emissionsEnvironmentPayWork & careersFamily financesMoneyGardensLife and styleWed, 12 Jul 2017 18:41:02 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/jul/12/i-had-that-queen-victoria-in-the-back-of-my-electric-cabPhotograph: The London Taxi Company/PAPhotograph: The London Taxi Company/PALetters2017-07-12T18:41:02ZSmart meter rollout could force household bills to rise, says supplierhttps://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/jun/26/smart-meter-rollout-household-bills-rise
<p>Energy company warns rising cost of installations due to ‘customer apathy’ could prompt suppliers to increase tariffs</p><p>Energy suppliers face rising costs for putting smart meters in millions of homes, adding pressure on firms to raise household bills further next year.</p><p>Fitting the meters, which automate readings and which the government has set a target of installing in every home and small business by the end of 2020, costs suppliers about £100 per household today.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/jun/26/smart-meter-rollout-household-bills-rise">Continue reading...</a>UtilitiesSmart metersEnergyEnergy efficiencyEnvironmentEthical and green livingEnergy billsConsumer affairsHousehold billsMoneyEnergyTechnologyBusinessGasCommoditiesOfgemCentricaMon, 26 Jun 2017 14:20:15 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/jun/26/smart-meter-rollout-household-bills-risePhotograph: NONE/NonePhotograph: NONE/NoneAdam Vaughan2017-06-26T14:20:15ZShould you join the charge and buy an electric car?https://www.theguardian.com/money/2017/jun/17/buy-electric-car-lower-running-costs-leasing-prices-green-motoring
<p>Green motoring is becoming financially attractive thanks to a drop in leasing prices and lower running costs</p><p>Is now the time to buy an electric car? Falls in financing costs mean that switching to a zero carbon-emitting vehicle won’t just help the environment, it can be cheaper than buying and running a conventional car.</p><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2016/may/07/tesla-3-electric-car-affordable-worth-price">When Guardian Money last looked at electric cars</a>, the price premium for most models meant they made most financial sense to central London drivers keen to avoid the £11.50-a-day congestion charge – but for other motorists the case for going electric was less obvious. However, a drop in leasing costs, plus much lower running costs, have made the financial package much more attractive.</p><p>One of the things holding back electric vehicle take-up is the fact that you need a space close by to charge it at night</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2017/jun/17/buy-electric-car-lower-running-costs-leasing-prices-green-motoring">Continue reading...</a>MotoringMoneyConsumer affairsElectric, hybrid and low-emission carsEthical and green livingClimate changeSat, 17 Jun 2017 06:00:30 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2017/jun/17/buy-electric-car-lower-running-costs-leasing-prices-green-motoringPhotograph: RenaultPhotograph: RenaultMiles Brignall2017-06-17T06:00:30ZA new Green Deal bond that pays 12% interest – too good to be true?https://www.theguardian.com/money/2017/may/20/green-deal-energy-saving-bonds-risky
<p>A plan to revive the flagship energy-saving scheme axed by the government is not without risk, plus there’s no compensation if things go wrong</p><p>A “green” investment that pays an extraordinary 12% interest and has received a semi-endorsement from a government minister was launched this week.</p><p>Some people’s instant reaction might be “where do I sign?” – but anyone thinking about taking up this offer needs to remember that you don’t get something for nothing in the world of investment. This is a whole lot riskier than putting your money into a high street savings account, with no compensation if things go wrong. So it’s definitely not for the faint-hearted.</p><p>You could be left high and dry if this 'privatised' Green Deal flops</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2017/may/20/green-deal-energy-saving-bonds-risky">Continue reading...</a>InvestmentsBondsMoneyGreen economyGreen deal and energy companies obligation (ECO)Ethical and green livingEnergy efficiencyEnergy billsSat, 20 May 2017 06:00:17 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2017/may/20/green-deal-energy-saving-bonds-riskyPhotograph: Construction Photography / Alamy/AlamyPhotograph: Construction Photography / Alamy/AlamyRupert Jones2017-05-20T06:00:17ZBoutique food wraps and £18 nappies: is being eco only for the rich? | Michele Hansonhttps://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2017/may/18/-beeswax-food-wrap-nappies-eco-living-luxury-plastic-alternatives
<p>Pricey alternatives to plastic wrap and other disposable products are sending out the message that you need to be wealthy to live sustainably</p><p>I was giving the daughter a slice of cake to take away, wrapped in plastic, even though the world is drowning in the stuff, and I thought, “Wouldn’t it be lovely if there was something to wrap my food in that didn’t leak and wasn’t wrecking the planet?”</p><p>And there is. Bee’s Wrap – made of cloth, beeswax and tree resin, washable in soap and cold water, reusable and sealed by the warmth of your hands.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2017/may/03/disturbing-turtle-video-drives-uk-pub-chain-to-clamp-down-on-plastic-straws">Disturbing turtle video drives UK pub chain to clamp down on plastic straws</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2016/dec/06/modern-life-rubbish-dont-need-packaging">Modern life is rubbish: we don't need all this packaging</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2017/may/18/-beeswax-food-wrap-nappies-eco-living-luxury-plastic-alternatives">Continue reading...</a>Guardian sustainable businessPlasticsEnvironmentConsumer affairsMoneyLife and styleWasteRecyclingEthical and green livingThu, 18 May 2017 06:00:18 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2017/may/18/-beeswax-food-wrap-nappies-eco-living-luxury-plastic-alternativesPhotograph: Tim Gainey/AlamyPhotograph: Tim Gainey/AlamyMichele Hanson2017-05-18T06:00:18Z